The "Like" Button

Have you ever felt like you "like" too many pictures or statuses (stati?) on Facebook or Instagram? Have you ever wondered what it even means to "like?" 

I am one of many moms who posts way too many pictures of their child(ren). I've mentioned before that I never understood why moms did that until I had a baby myself. Now, it makes total sense. Everyday there is a new smile, new skill or some days the exact same thing he did a trillion times the day before but it's just as cute. As a mom, I'm proud of all of these moments and I can't help but brag at how adorable he is by sharing these trillion of pictures with all of you! 

I've discovered that the "like" button in the parenting world is a way to say to other parents "Hey, good job raising that youngin'...keep it up!" I see pictures of friends kids and can totally relate to those moments....

Picture of a baby smiling- "LIKE"...mine did that last week.

Picture of a baby crawling- "LIKE"...we're still working on it, but getting there!

Picture of a baby after shots- "LIKE"...I feel your pain!

Picture of another baby with a helmet- "LIKE"...we aren't the only ones!

You see, I'm a fan of the "LIKE" button. What a great way to encourage each other along the way!

Another Wilson picture: 

Why the helmet???

Several people have asked why Wilson is wearing a helmet. So, let me tell you!

When Wilson was about 3ish months old we noticed a slight flat spot on the back right side of his head. We spoke to our pediatrician about it who thought it may eventually correct itself over time. Doctors now advise parents to put their baby to sleep on his back. Apparently this has resulted in the SIDS rate decreasing fairly dramatically. However, it has left some little ones with flat noggins. 

For a while, we tried repositioning him so he wasn't always laying on the right side of his head. But, he's always known what he wants and this situation was no different. He kept favoring that right side.

We eventually went to see who I call "The Head Doctor" at Vanderbilt who recommended a CT scan to rule out other more serious issues. The scan went well and it was confirmed that everything was fine- just a little flat spot from repeatedly laying in the same position. 

The Head Doctor referred us to an Orthotics Center to look into having Wilson fitted for a helmet. We were told that the helmet wasn't absolutely necessary, but that if we wanted to know for sure that Wilson would have a round head then this was the way to go. Hudson and I decided that in the grand scheme of things a few months in a helmet wouldn't be that big of a deal...plus, it's football season!

Wilson was measured and fitted for the helmet and has had it for almost two weeks now. He adjusted to wearing it pretty quickly- doesn't act like he knows it's even there! 

It's been a while...

People kept telling me life was about to get really busy...they were right! Wilson has picked up some speed these last few months! Within the last two months he has learned to sit, figured out how to get around (going every direction but forward), gotten 2 teeth, gone to the beach and flown on a plane- not in that order.

Hudson and I both agree that this is a very fun age! Wilson's personality is really showing through. He's so happy and smiley. Unless, of course, he's hungry or sleepy. He absolutely loves Tupelo and really all dogs, for that matter. He likes taking all of his toys out of his box and he still really really loves spending Q.T. with me at 3am! :)

Stay tuned next week for a picture of Wilson's new fall accessory. 

Sporting his Neely's hat:

This sweet boy:

Beach Bound

Hudson and I haven't been to the beach in at least a couple of years. I was spoiled as a child because I usually ended up going multiple times a summer. I was just telling Hudson about how brave my parents were when I was in junior high. Their beach trips were never relaxing- it was always me and at least 3 girl friends in tow. It was fun for us, though! What made it even more awesome is that several of my friends parents would do the same thing. So, we got to lay on the beach multiple times a summer!

This afternoon, we are heading to SC for a pitstop in Spartanburg to say hello to our folks and then off to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. It'll be Wilson's first beach trip! I'm looking forward to seeing what he thinks about the sand and ocean. There will be lots of pictures to come- obviously!

In other news, Wilson just had his 6 month check-up. He's weighing a whopping 15 pounds 11 ounces!   He's a growing boy! He's soooo close to sitting up on his own. Give it a couple of weeks and he'll be a sitting fool!

And then there were 8...

Hudson and I just got back from visiting our family in South Carolina. Anddddddd, as of last Wednesday, there are now 8 Neely grand kids (7 boys and one lucky little girl). 

On July 4th, Robert and Lindsay welcomed their precious twins into the world! I could not be more thrilled for more cousins! Come Christmas-time, it's going to be every man for himself: babies crawling and rolling and walking around everywhere! I cannot wait!

The twins: 

Baba and some of the boys:

I know what you're thinking... That's a whole lot of kids! You ain't seen nothing yet! Somebody please post a picture of all 42(??) of Memaw and Bebop's grand kids. 8 is a walk in the park!

The gang's all here...

A few years ago I met a family who has become some of my favorite people ever. They have truly been a blessing to me...I can't imagine life in Nashville without them!

When Hudson first started working at Hillsboro 6ish years ago, we were introduced to the Kur family. At the time, Achuoth and Elizabeth had 3 kids: Akur, Deng and Ed (They now have 4). Achuoth moved to Nashville from Sudan in 2001 (I think). A few years later his wife and baby girl were able to come with the help of some kind folks at Hillsboro.

I quickly fell in LOVE with their kids. Achuoth and Elizabeth did a stand up job raising those youngin's. For the past few years, Hudson and I have gotten the chance to spend some time with their oldest three kids. They are a BLAST! Akur is fun-loving and full of life. Deng is so spunky- I could spend all day with that kid. Ed is HILarious and doesn't slow down.

When Wilson was just a few days old, the whole gang came over to meet him (Elizabeth, Ateny, Akur, Deng, Ed):

                                                                 Look at how precious!

Tonight at church the kids were having fun passing Wilson around. I'm so glad we get the chance for our kids to interact and grow up together...I'm hoping their awesomeness rubs off on Wilson!


Akur & Wilson:

Ed-head & Wilson:

Ateny & Wilson:

Love this family!!!

I've got loads to say!

Sike!

I've never been someone who has had a lot to say. I don't think I'm extremely opinionated about many things. Sometimes I blame this on not thinking deeply enough. Sometimes I blame it on my crazy mom who has crazy thoughts on just about everything. Like all of those times I was instructed to leave wherever I was at least 45 minutes before curfew to ensure that I got home on time even if I got stopped by the train....there is only one train in Spartanburg and it only comes about every other week. (Love you mom!!) 

But, I do have lots to say about Wilson! I'm thinking that I've become one of those parents who annoy the junk out of everyone with loads of pictures and what-not. That's ok; as you may have noticed, that worry doesn't slow me down! 

Having a baby changes the topic of conversations. Just yesterday I had a conversation about poopy diapers (Hudson has also had a poop conversation with someone while at the gym)! I now fully understand that Full House episode where Uncle Jesse and Rebecca commit to a dinner, free of baby conversation! Thank goodness for Full House! How's that for deep thinking?

Wilson is 5 months!!!: